Education

• Who is the Secretary of State for Education?

  1. Hon. Bridget Phillipson MP
• Why are education stories important for journalists?

  They relate to viewers' children and families
• What should exam candidates be aware of regarding state-funded schools?

  Different types including community and academy schools
• What are the roles of the Department for Education?

  Oversee education policy and ensure delivery
• What is OFSTED known as in Wales?

  Estyn
• What is the function of Local Education Authorities (LEAs)?

  Administer education in a specific area
• Who chairs the Local Education Authorities?

  A leading councillor or cabinet member
• What is the current influence of LEAs compared to the mid-20th century?

  Limited influence today compared to the past
• What role do LEAs play in pre-school education?

  Ensure availability of pre-school services
• What are the main types of schools in the UK?

  • Community Schools
  • Academy Schools
  • Free Schools
  • Foundation Schools
  • Trust Schools
  • Special Schools
  • Voluntary Aided Schools
  • Faith Schools
• How are community schools managed?

  Run directly by the local education authority
• What is a defining feature of academy schools?

  Independent of the local authority
• How are academy schools funded?

  Directly by central government
• What percentage of pupils can academy schools select based on aptitude?

  Up to 10 percent
• What are the three models of academy schools?

  Multi-academy trusts, umbrella trust model, collaborative partnership
• What is the ethos of Didsbury High School?

  Unashamedly academic
• What does the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill require from academy schools?

  Employ qualified teachers and follow the national curriculum
• What is a defining characteristic of Free Schools?

  They are brand new establishments
• Who can set up Free Schools?

  Parents, teachers, and community groups
• What operational freedoms do Free Schools have?

  Vary curriculum and set own school hours
• What distinguishes Foundation Schools from Community Schools?

  Foundation Schools are largely self-governing
• What are Special Schools dedicated to?

  Children with special educational needs
• What is the difference between special schools and specialist schools?

  Special schools focus on SEN, specialist schools have a specialism
• What is the current number of children in England requiring SEND support?

  1.5 million children
• What are Voluntary-aided schools known for?

  Set own policies and employ own staff
• What is the umbrella term for schools run by religious communities?

  Faith schools
• What is the historical significance of grammar schools?

  They are a remnant of the 1944 Education Act
• How many grammar schools remain in LEAs?

  About 160 grammar schools
• What is the role of the Department for Education (DfE)?

  Responsible for education and children's services
• What does the DfE publish to measure school performance?

  League tables of school performance
• What is OFSTED's primary function?

  Inspect and regulate education and training
• When was OFSTED established?

  In 1992
• What significant change is OFSTED implementing in 2024?

  Scrapping its single- or two-word grading system
• What additional responsibilities does OFSTED have beyond schools?

  Regulate children's services and training
• What is the significance of the Observer survey from December 2022?

  It highlights strain on SEND provision
• How can journalists utilize OFSTED reports for news stories?

  By checking recent reports for relevant stories
• What is the role of the Children and Family Court Advisory Support Service (Cafcass)?

  Support children in family court cases
• What is the main objective of the DfE?

  Ensure children have the best start in education
• What is the name of the current Secretary of State for Education?

  1. Hon. Bridget Phillipson MP
• Why do journalists need to know who the Education Secretary is?

  Stories from an education setting are part of the "bread and butter" of journalists and they need to know who to approach when following up such stories